Clip connector terminal for insulated conductors

ABSTRACT

Between two relatively movable parts of a clip connector there is inserted an insulated electric conductor which, as said parts are moved into a closed position, is stripped by virtue of cooperating shearing edges of said parts. In its closed position, the clip connector securely clamps the stripped conductor in a gap defined by the two parts.

United States Patent lnventors Heinz Krone p n: Wilhelm l-loflmann, Ludwigsburg; Rolf Autenrleth, A pe s; Joachim Rott, Berlin; Lothar Zerrenner, Berlin, all of, Germany Appl, No. 818,999 Filed Apr. 24, 1969 Patented June 15, i971 Assignee Krone G.m.b.ll.

Ludwigshurg, Germany Priority Apr. 24, 1968 CLIP CONNECTOR TERMINAL FOR INSULATED CONDUCTORS 5 Claims, 6 Drawing Figs.

[1.8. (I 339/97, 29/629, 174/74, 339/274 Int. Cl. H0lr 9/06, HOZg 15/08 [50] FieldofSearch..... l74/84.3,

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS l,660,l l l 2/1928 Woodward 339/274 UX 2,238,386 4/!941 Frank 339/274 X 3,030,604 4/1962 Moody 339/98 3,328,747 6/l967 Dover et al. 339/274 X Primary Exam iner- Darrell L. Clay Attorney- Edwin E. Greigg ABSTRACT: Between two relatively movable parts of a clip connector there is inserted an insulated electric conductor which, as said parts are moved into a closed position, is. stripped by virtue of cooperating shearing edges of said parts. in its closed position, the clip connector securely clamps the stripped conductor in a gap defined by the two parts.

PATENTEUJUMSIQYI 3.585572 SHEET 1 [IF 2 INVENTORS HEINZ KRONE WILHELM HOFFMANN ROLF AUTENRIETH JOACHIM ROTT LOTHAR' ZERRENER PATENTEDJUNISIBH 3585572 sum 2 OF 2 3 5 Fig. 3

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I I 2 3 6 Fig.6 I INVENTURS HEINZ KRONE WILHELM HOFFMANN ROLF AUTENRIETH JOACHIM ROTT LOTHAR ZERRENER A ORNEY CLIP CONNECTOR TERMINAL FOR INSULATED CONDUCTORS BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to an electric connection between an insulated conductor and a metallic-terminal part which is pro vided with a clamping device and thus forms a clip-type connector.

There are in general two requirements when making an electrical terminal connection between an insulated conductor wire and a clip connector: in the first place, the conductor has to be stripped of its insulation along a sufficient portion of its surface in order to ensure a good metallic contact with the clip connector and,- secondly, the conductor has to be clamped to the clip connector in such a mechanically secure manner that under the expected thermal and mechanical loads no disconnectionmay take place. 7

Briefly stated, according to the invention, in order to meet the aforenoted requirements, the clip connector is formed of two parts attached, and relatively movable with respect, to one another. In the closed position of the clip, the two parts together define a clamping gap slightly narrower than the inner diameter of the insulated conductor.

The invention will be better understood and objects, as well as advantages, will become apparent from the ensuing detailed specification of several exemplary embodiments taken in conjunction with the drawing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT AND ITS MODIFICATIONS Turning now to FIG. I, the clip connector according to the invention comprises a part 1 made, for example, of copper and a circular part 2 rotatably received in a complemental circular opening of part 1 and having an integral, radially projecting eccentric lug 3. The clip 1, 2 is preferably mounted in a transparent plastic block 4. Prior to the insertion of a conductor, the clip is brought into an open position in which the lug 3 is laterally disposed in the space 5 of part I. Then, a conductor having a wire 6 and an insulation 7, is inserted into the open clip between lug 3 of part 2 and a terminal plate 8 integral with part 1. Thereafter, the part 2 is rotated clockwise into its closed position shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. This operation may be performed by a stemlike tool 9 temporarily inserted into a radially inwardly extending bore 10 of part 2.

During the clockwise rotary motion of part 2, the lug 3 forces the conductor against the plate 8, whereby the wire 6 cuts through the insulation 7 so that a good metal-to-metal contact is established between the wire 6 and the lug 3 on the one hand and between the wire 6 and the plate 8 on the other hand. The insulation stripped from the wire is pushed aside by the clamping pans and accumulates about the said metal-tometal contact to such an extent that it functions as a seal against external effects that may harm the electrical contact.

In the closed position of the clip, (FIGS. 1, 2), the gap between the eccentric lug 3 and the adjacent portion of plate 8 is 5 slightly smaller than the diameter of the conductor wire 6; a

secure clamping effect is thus ensured.

FIGS. 3-6 illustrate four modifications of the embodiment according to FIGS. 1 and 2. As will be seen, the part 1 thereof is designed with a certain resiliency to permit its use with conductors of widely different diameters.

The part la according to FIG. 3 is made of substantial folds, so that part 2 is held therein in a radially resiliently yielding manner.

For the same purpose, the part lb according to FIG. 4 is provided with a throughgoing slot 11 whereas the part 10 according to FIG. 42 has two diametrically opposed, outwardly extending nonthroughgoing slots 16.

In FIG. 6, which is a further modification of the structure of FIG. 5, the part 1d has a configuration that ensures an increased resiliency.

It is thus seen that depending on the diameter of the conductor, the part 1a ld is resiliently deformed to a lesser or greater extent whereby the rotary part 2 is radially displaced away from plate 8 to accommodateindividual conductors of widely different diameters.

We claim:

1. A clip connector terminal for insulated conductors, comprising A. a first part including I a circular opening, 2. a plate member fixedly secured to said first part and (B) a second part formed as a circular member held rotatably with respect to said first in said circular opening, said first and second parts adapted to assume an open and closed position; said second part including 1. a radial bore into which a tool for rotating said second part is insertable,

2. an eccentric lug; said insulated conductor, when said first and second parts are in said open position, is adapted to be introduced into said clip connector between said eccentric lug and said plate member, said eccentric lug having an edge portion constituting a stripping means, said edge portion, when said lug is moved towards said closed position during rotation of said second part with respect to said first part, cooperates with said plate member to strip said conductor; said plate member and said edge portion of said lug, when in said closed position, defining a clamping gap having a width slightly smaller than the diameter of the stripped conductor for securely holding the latter.

2. A clip connector as defined in claim 1 wherein said circular opening of said first part is resiliently deformable.

3. A clip connector as defined in claim 2, wherein said first part is formed of a member having an accordionlike folded portion holding said second part.

4. A clip connector as defined in claim 2, wherein said first part is provided with a throughgoing slot extending from said circular opening to the outer face of said first part.

5. A clip connector as defined in claim 2 wherein said first part is provided with a plurality of nonthroughgoing slots extending from said circular opening in said first part. 

1. A clip connector terminal for insulated conductors, comprising A. a first part including 1 a circular opening,
 2. a plate member fixedly secured to said first part and (B) a second part formed as a circular member held rotatably with respect to said first in said circular opening, said first and second parts adapted to assume an open and closed position; said second part including
 1. a radial bore into which a tool for rotating said second part is insertable,
 2. an eccentric lug; said insulated conductor, when said first and second parts are in said open position, is adapted to be introduced into said clip connector between said eccentric lug and said plate member, said eccentric lug having an edge portion constituting a stripping means, said edge portion, when said lug is moved towards said closed position during rotation of said second part with respect to said first part, cooperates with said plate member to strip said conductor; said plate member and said edge portion of said lug, when in said closed position, defining a clamping gap having a width slightly smaller than the diameter of the stripped conductor for securely holding the latter.
 2. a plate member fixedly secured to said first part and (B) a second part formed as a circular member held rotatably with respect to said first in said circular opening, said first and second parts adapted to assume an open and closed position; said second part including
 2. an eccentric lug; said insulated conductor, when said first and second parts are in said open position, is adapted to be introduced into said clip connector between said eccentric lug and said plate member, said eccentric lug having an edge portion constituting a stripping means, said edge portion, when said lug is moved towards said closed position during rotation of said second part with respect to said first part, cooperates with said plate member to strip said conductor; said plate member and said edge portion of said lug, when in said closed position, defining a clamping gap having a width slightly smaller than the diameter of the stripped conductor for securely holding the latter.
 2. A clip connector as defined in claim 1 wherein said circular opening of said first part is resiliently deformable.
 3. A clip connector as defined in claim 2, wherein said first part is formed of a member having an accordionlike folded portion holding said second part.
 4. A clip connector as defined in claim 2, wherein said first part is provided with a throughgoing slot extending from said circular opening to the outer face of said first part.
 5. A clip connector as defined in claim 2 wherein said first part is provided with a plurality of nonthroughgoing slots extending from said circular opening in said first part. 